• Sons of Mystro

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Born in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother, brothers Malcom and Umoja learned to play violin through South Florida’s public school system, and attended Dillard High School for the Performing Arts. Together, these brothers are Sons of Mystro. They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations. Sons of Mystro are a little bit classical, a little bit R&B, and like nothing you've heard before!

    $25

    My Folky Valentine

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    The 19th Annual celebration of love and music hosted by Annie & Rod Capps and featuring Anne Heaton & Frank Marotta Jr. and Jan Krist & Alan Finkbeiner. Three acclaimed musical duos who also happen to be partners in life share the stage, swapping songs and stories. You can expect some collaborating both planned and spontaneous. Not just for lovebirds, and not just love songs. Just a whole lotta great music.

    $20

    Ani Mari & Co.

    Opener: Tanner & Kaysen

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Ani Mari is a 20-year-old alt-Americana singer-songwriter from the Northwoods of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, whose songs weave complex chord progressions into heart-wrenching stories and melodies, spanning from folk to pop rock. She has been touring and recording with her folk duo, Ani & Kora, since she was 12 years old, but currently lives and plays in Ann Arbor, MI, with her band, Ani Mari & Co. Ani’s debut solo album, girlfriend, was released on December 1st, 2023, under her label, Real-Phonic Records.

    $20, $10 students with valid student ID
    Special Event

    Portugal. The Man

    Royal Oak Music Theatre 318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI, United States

    Over the past decade, Portugal The Man has established themselves as one of rock’s most prized possessions and a live phenomenon, with over 1,600 shows under their belts and a storied reputation as festival favorites. Originally heralding from Alaska, the Portland-based band – comprised of John Gourley, Zach Carothers, Kyle O’Quin, Eric Howk, Jason Sechrist and Zoe Manville – soared to new heights in 2017 with the release of their RIAA certified-gold album, Woodstock. The album was marked by the astounding success of their infectious single, “Feel It Still,” which earned the group a plethora of new accolades – including a GRAMMY award for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance,” a 6x RIAA platinum certified single certification, a mind-blowing 20-week residency at #1 on alternative radio, and an inescapable presence on the Top 40 airwaves.

    $39.50, $75.00

    Jax Hollow

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Jax Hollow is an untamable force of nature. Hailing from Nashville by way of Western Massachusetts, the Berklee College Of Music graduate is bringing a much needed revival to rock with her fresh innocence and serious talent. Jax’s sound is a unique blend of classic rock, blues, and Americana, combined with songwriting, riffs, ripping solos, and powerful vocals. Just back from a European tour, Jax is making her Ark debut.

    $25

    Joe Hertler

    Opener: Philip-Michael Scales

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    The Rainbow Seekers began their historic quest eight years ago, revolving around the pure, unadulterated songwriting of their fearless leader, Joe Hertler. In the years since, we’ve seen Joe with The Rainbow Seekers at The Ark several times, with a mix of funk, Motown, Americana, and folk. But the same mix is present in Joe Hertler’s songs themselves, and we thought it was time for a Joe Hertler solo show. Joe has appeared at Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and Summer Camp, and as you'll know if you've seen the band, seeking the proverbial Rainbow is all about the live performance.

    $20

    Jess Merritt

    Special Guest: Dylan Charles

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Jess Merritt’s lyrics and voice evoke emotional resonance for your journey through genre-bending musical performances. Whether on her own or with her band, “The Understorey,” Jess delivers in ways both captivating and raw. From power ballads to velvet keys, soul and rock to blues and pop, you’re headed into a memorable experience by this expansive and versatile artist. 

    $20

    Feufollet

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    The young and vibrant Southwest Louisiana band takes Cajun, honky-tonk, and string-band music as their starting point, and keeps an open mind about where their song craft will lead them. On “Two Universes,” their first studio album in over five years, Feufollet proves their Cajun roots don’t define them as much as propel them forward; whispers of the swamp and its time-honored waltzes trigger a modern and broad musical imagination, one that finds equal expression in blues, old-time, country ballads, rock’n’roll, whatever, all for the sake of the song.

    $25

    Talisk

    Opener: The Trials of Cato

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    One of the most talked-about folk bands of the 21st century, Talisk have been tearing apart stereotypes and redefining the genre for almost a decade. With over 15 million streams, 10,000 albums sold worldwide, and sold out shows across five continents, the Scottish trio have amassed a global, die-hard following. Wielding instruments that have rarely seen the likes of their music, Mohsen Amini (concertina), Benedict Morris (violin), and Charlie Galloway (guitar) have stacked up major awards for their explosively energetic sound - including five between BBC Rasio2 and BBC Radio Scotland, and two highly coveted BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. Never afraid to push musical boundaries, or test the live production capabilities of just three people, there's captivating a crowd, and then there's Talisk.

    $25

    The Ark’s Open Stage

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Whether you're looking for your big break, want to perfect your live performance skills, or just want to perform live for the sheer fun of it, Open Stage nights offer supportive audiences and a terrific space. Twelve performers have eight minutes (or two songs) each to do their thing. Sign-up: doors open at 7:30 p.m. At 7:55 we randomly select the names for the first half, and at 8:30 we draw names for the second half. If your name isn't chosen, bring your raffle ticket with you to the next Open Stage (often the first and third Wednesdays of the month--check our calendar or website, theark.org), and you'll double your chances.

    $3, $2 members, seniors, students free with student ID

    Darrin James Band

    Special Guest: Scotty Karate and Gregory Stovetop

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Darrin James was born in Kentucky, was raised in metro Detroit, and spent a formative decade in New York City before returning to Michigan in 2010. His musical style is as varied as his background, drawing on his love of the blues and folk music of the South, the Motown soul and classic rock and roll rawness of Detroit, and the eclecticism and immediacy of Brooklyn, where he released his 2006 debut album, "Thrones of Gold." The Darrin James Band comes to The Ark with a new album "See Right Through."

    $25

    The Ark’s 37th Annual Storytelling Festival – Liar’s Contest

    The Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Liars have been around since the snake first hit it off with Eve. By some accounts, contests celebrating liars have been around since the 15th century, but these accounts may be apocryphal. Today, liars contests are held in countries all around the globe. The Second Annual Liar’s Contest at The Ark includes six first-class liars and six celebrity judges. The chaos wrangler and MC will once again be the amazing Amir Baghdadchi, keeping things lively and fun. The judges for the event each have a professional relationship to liars. Karl Fink is a retired District and Circuit court judge, and so has been around liars all his life, and that doesn’t just include the lawyers. Paul Strickland is a national storyteller who fibs for a living. Jennifer Conlin is Michigan State Representative for House District 48. So she’s a politician (mic drop).

    $15